THE CLAIM FINDERS
IT is generally believed that in idleness the miner indulges a passion for sporting contests. That may be so in some areas, but among the miners of North Ayrshire there is rarely any organized attempt to do anything but earn a few extra shillings by digging coal either in the " binds " or, as is more usual, in the rocks on the shore, for the coal " roads " run out under the sea. From the moment a strike is declared the seashore becomes a hive of industry and coal is dug with a greater zest than is usually devoted to the private interests of any mineowner. Here there is no concern about trade unions, rates or market prices ; all is forgotten but keenness to get coal quickly and in abundance.
My first experience of coal digging—for private use and personal distribution—came to me at a very early age. I was still a schoolboy, and the experience served the very useful purpose of showing me that working partnerships are not always advantageous. A school- fellow and myself never wearied of devising get-rich- quick schemes and when the coal strike came we eagerly grasped the opportunity to make money, easily and pleasantly. Local housewives had already circulated an appeal for household fuel and expressed a willingness to pay cash for coal delivered in any shape or form. Five o'clock one raw April morning found us out on the shore earnestly engaged in claim hunting.
Following an old and knowing miner we worked our way across wrack-covered rock until a spot was reached where the surface was black and slate-like ; just the spot, so we were told, where a good digger was likely to reap a golden harvest ! Throwing off our jackets we set to work with a will. My friend did the shovelling while I made reckless attempts to handle a pick skilfully. It was very hard work, but the tang in the sea breeze inspired us to use plenty of elbow grease." Soon we lost sight of our neighbour in the huge mounds of broken rock and loose sand within which we entrenched ourselves.
Now and again a fellow treasure-seeker looked down upon us, appraisingly. There was danger in these periodical inspections and we were not unaware of this fact, for, only that morning we had come across two hefty miners preparing to settle a dispute about a claim in the traditional Bret Harte fashion.
It was disheartening to think that if any burly fellow " jumped " our claim our chances of tasting to the full the sweetness of possession would be slender. And so, spurred by the fear that any moment might mean the end to our claim, we set ourselves a time-limit. By breakfast time, nine o'clock, two bags of coal must be filled ready for sale. The " scudgers "—toffee balls— I promised myself were in fancy already melting in my mouth. And it is my boast that no KlOndyke miner ever found greater joy in " striking it rich " than did we youngsters when the first lump of real coal came to light. A momentary argument ensued. " It is coal I " " You're daft ; it's just rock covered with slate; get the jile (gaol), and, maybe, a hammering into the bargain if ye sell that stuff." But when we saw a rich layer of coal embedded in the rock atour feet all doubts departed. We had struck coal ! In— the enthusiasm of the moment I threw my pick high- into the air, then howled in apprehension as I saw the ugly thing come hurtling down upon me.
We tempered our joy with caution. Men who for days had searched fruitlessly were not likely to suffer our " scoop " lightly. Arguing that all we desired was money for the " pictures " some pirate miner would chase us from the shore, telling us not to be late for school ! It was agreed that before filling our bags we should prepare breakfast; then while the others were likewise engaged we could begin transportation. Picking up our tea-can, and whistling a lively air, I set off across the rocks towards the fresh water spring.
Once or twice I stopped to chat with a fellow-miner. Some, reminded that a good morning's work -had been done, asked me to fill cans for them also. For this I got various -rewards of cigarette cards, lumps of coal, and even cigarettes ! One chap very generously invited me to shift direction and begin digging near his claim. I thanked him courteously, but refused the offer and cautiously made my way back towards our claim where another very real surprise awaited me.
There was a stranger gloating over the treasure in our claim. My partner was absent.
" Come out of that, you," I commanded, fiercely. " I'd like to see myself. Whose claim do you think this is ? "
Oh, he was a very cocksure chap this. His comfortable attitude of justified assurance annoyed me. He was about my age, but a trifle heavier in build. I prepared to do battle for my rights when suddenly the face of my partner appeared over the mound. He was con- tentedly puffing at a cigarette. His indifference was as much a shock to me as was the other fellow's assurance.
" What does this mean ? " I asked hotly, jerking my head in the direction of the claim-jumper, as I took him to be.
" Oh, I sold-him the claim for two Woodbines, a pack o' Devil's playing cards and a mouthermonium. You'll get halves ! "
The five minutes following the offering of this sharing scheme were full of excitement. Then, attracted by the familiar noise of youthful battle, the other diggers congregated to watch the sport.
Acting as self-appointed arbitrators the diggers decided that neither of the claims for possession had been upheld and calmly announced that the coal from our claim would be equally distributed 'among themselves. - GEORGE R. MUNRO.-
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